The Fourth Park City Forum

Your Excellency Ms. SHI Xiaolin, Governor of the People’s Government of Sichuan Province, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee, and Secretary of the Leading Party Members Group,

His Excellency Mr. ZHANG Shixin, Deputy Secretary General of the National Development and Reform Commission,

Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I thank the China Center for Urban Development, and the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Chengdu Municipal People’s Government for the invitation to speak at this event. 

We are here today because we are united by our shared commitment to advancing sustainable urban development and we can see firsthand from the experience of Chengdu how sustainable and green urban development can revitalize a city. In the short time since I arrived here yesterday, I have witnessed firsthand why Chengdu has the reputation as China’s “most livable city”. The many parks and number of green spaces point us towards a model of green and low-carbon urban development that can serve as an example for other cities, both in China and around the world.

On that count, let me take this opportunity to commend and congratulate you, Madam Governor, Governor Shi, for your astounding leadership, and advancing the sustainable development agenda where Chengdu stands out as a role model. 

Sustainable urban development is not just a local or regional concern, but has global implications. As the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, "The actions cities take locally to create a sustainable world will reverberate globally." The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 11 underlines the importance that the United Nations attaches to this issue.

While cities generate more than 80% of global GDP, they must continue to make concerted actions to limit the effects of climate change, as they consume two-thirds of global energy and are responsible for more than 70% of global carbon emissions. 

To address these challenges, the United Nations proposed the New Urban Agenda in 2016, which serves as a comprehensive framework for urban sustainability across four key dimensions: social, economic, environmental, and spatial sustainability. These dimensions are interconnected, ensuring that cities can thrive economically while promoting social equity, environmental stewardship, and spatial inclusiveness.

Cities must strive to provide infrastructure services, such as clean water, sanitation, electricity, public transport, and green spaces, that are accessible to all citizens, paying particular attention to the needs of people with disabilities, older people, children, and vulnerable populations. In China, this principle has been effectively applied through various initiatives aimed at improving urban infrastructure while minimizing environmental impact, and these positive results can serve as models for many other developing countries to create more sustainable cities.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The United Nations in China will continue to play a crucial role in advancing sustainable urban development across the country. Leveraging the Sustainable Development Goals Innovation Labs in Chengdu and Suzhou, the United Nations disseminated sustainable development values through events including Re:Think to its networks of SDG practitioners. These events foster discussions on community-led approaches to urban development, with a focus on creating inclusive, sustainable, and future-proof cities.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Despite the significant progress made, the journey toward sustainable urban development is fraught with many challenges. Funding gaps, policy inconsistencies, and infrastructure limitations continue to hinder the full realization of sustainable urbanization. Moreover, the global economic and geopolitical landscape additional obstacles are presented there and require collective action and collaboration.

To overcome these challenges, it is imperative that governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations work together. 

The success of sustainable urban development depends on the concerted actions of all stakeholders and the United Nations, here in China, and globally, stands ready to continue to serve as a connecter, and convenor to ensure effective cooperation to achieve SDG 11, along with the other 16 SDGs.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

As we gather here today to discuss this important topic, I am filled with optimism for the future, when I see a city like Chengdu. The path ahead may be challenging, but with collaboration and determination, I am confident that we can build a future where cities are not only centers of growth and innovation but also as examples of sustainability and equity. 

Thank you very much.